Rep. John Salazar was one of 36 Democrats who voted for reforms to the Endangered Species Act. The other 158 Democrats opposed changes.

"The ultimate goal is to protect our species and increase the rate of recovery. Right now, farmers and ranchers see the ESA as a burden. The system needs to be reformed so that private landowners have a direct interest in conservation," Salazar said in a statement.

The rest of the Colorado congressional delegation split along party lines, with Republican Reps. Bob Beauprez, Joel Hefley, Marilyn Musgrave and Tom Tancredo voting for the changes, and Democratic Reps. Diana DeGette and Mark Udall opposed.